French Linen and Gold Sideboard Transformation – Before and After

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Today’s before and after is this fantastic vintage sideboard that was last week’s favorite find.  It is full of detail that was just hiding in that dark finish!

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My client recently downsized to a condo that is filled with great light.  She is in the process of redoing her interior to reflect her new space.  This means lighter and brighter!

The sideboard was finished in a custom mix of Annie Sloan French Linen mixed with Old White.  Gold gilding wax by Cire a Dorer was applied to the detail to make is pop (check out my YouTube channel for the How To Video on the wax).  My client is not a fan of distressed furniture and so no distressing was done on this piece – quite a change for me!  The piece was waxed in both Annie Sloan clear and dark waxes to add depth.

French Sideboard painted in Annie Sloan French Linen with dark and clear wax and Cire a Dorer gold gilding wax - more before and afters on www.thepainteddrawer.com

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  3. What a wonderful repainting for this piece. The before/after transformation is highly dramatic. The delicate gold treatment on the trim is expertly done, giving the entire sideboard a dignified flair.

  6. I suspect some people may not agree that you should have painted this piece but I think it s beautiful. Did you say or can you tell us where you can buy the Cire a Dorer gliding wax? I can’t seem to find it.

  8. Suzanne!! you did such a great job!! I so love French Linen and the gold gilding is like a cherry on the proverbial on top!!
    Have a great day!!
    Maxine

  16. It’s one of my favorite style for sideboards, those long legs and beautiful detailing on the front. So beautiful now, in that grey shade and the gold detailing.

    • Thanks, Mary. It is so much fun to work on the beautiful old pieces. I was lucky. It’s one of my favorite pieces to paint as well!

    • Thanks, Ann Marie! I loved your post last week on creating a smooth finish. I find sanding back with 400 grit after waxing also leads to a super smooth finish. Cheers!

  21. Fantastic job, I have a whole mahogany dining room suite dying to have painted as so dark in our new condo townhouse against cherry floors. Only problem is my husband ????? hA ha!

  22. What a beautiful piece of furniture and the makeover you gave it is stunning. I can feel your pain at not being able to distress this piece but your a solution to that by using guilding wax adds character. I bet your client was tickled pink when they saw it!

    • Thank you so much, Marie! It was so strange to not take out that sandpaper and give the edges a good rub lol! My client loved it (thank goodness!)

  25. Hi Suzanne,
    Your transformation of the side board is sooo beautiful! Question: Was reading through the comments and wanted to clarify…do you sand a piece after you’ve waxed it? I just painted and waxed a coffee table and am not wild about the finish. Perhaps sanding a bit would help?

    • Hi Jeannie, on this piece I did sand it after I waxed it as well as prior to waxing. I wanted a super smooth finish on the top. After waxing, take 400 grit sandpaper and sand over the (totally cured) wax. It will create a really smooth finish on a piece. Cheers!